By Shounsai Joryu, signed Shounsai 升雲齋 with kakihan
Japan, Edo (Tokyo), first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Published:
Collectors’ Encyclopedia of Antiques (1973), no. 568.
Bushell, Raymond (1985), Netsuke Masks, pl. 46.
The hornbill remarkably carved, thinning at the edges, depicting an oni with an amusing expression, the naturally red areas used for the hair, horns, eyebrows, and blushing cheeks. The reverse with a central himotoshi bar and signed SHOUNSAI (Joryu) with a red kakihan.
HEIGHT 3.3 cm
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and few natural age cracks.
Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond Bushell. Christie’s, The Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection of Netsuke, Part I, 27 October 1987, New York, lot 187. Robert Fleischel, Paris, France. European collection P. Jacquesson, acquired from the above.
The hornbill is a bird of the Bucerotidae family having a large bill with a basal bony protuberance partly colored bright orange, known as honen and often used for inlaying the eyes of netsuke depicting rats, rabbits, and other animals whose eyes are red. Netsuke entirely carved from honen are exceedingly rare.
Auction comparison:
Compare to a closely related oni mask by Joryu’s contemproary Jugyoku at Sotheby’s, The Katchen Collection of Netsuke, 8 November 2005, London, lot 65 (sold for 5,040 GBP).
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